V10 style link, 27.5 tires?

Earlier today in the forums, a user posted this photo of a prototype Santa Cruz Nomad 4. On the current Nomad, the shock mounts to the upper link. On this carbon test mule, the shock mounts to the lower link, like it does on the V10.

This design, with the shock mounted to the lower link, is difficult to implement on a trail bike due to the need for an adjustable seatpost and water bottle compatibility. Photo courtesy of MTB-News.de

When the current Nomad 3 was being prototyped, Santa Cruz built an aluminum test bike using a similar shock configuration. The design theoretically offers an improved leverage curve and DH style performance, but their testers preferred the system that eventually went into production.

The current Nomad has a symmetrical rear triangle.

Due to the carbon front and rear triangles, we’d wager this bike is close to production. It’s hard to say more based on this image, but it appears Santa Cruz has gone to a single sided chainstay, similar to the Bronson.

We’re curious about whether the shock tunnel will be large enough to fit a coil shock, and how long of a dropper post the bike will accommodate.

Sea Otter is in two weeks. Perhaps we’ll see the bike officially unveiled there?

Did you notice anything we missed? Let us know in the comments!

Photo Thumbnails (click to enlarge)

Is this the new Nomad 4?

This design, with the shock mounted to the lower link, is difficult to implement on a trail bike due to the need for an adjustable seatpost and water bottle compatibility. Photo courtesy of MTB-News.de

The current Nomad has a symmetrical rear triangle.

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